The APAIE is one of the most important international forums in the field of higher education. Every year, it brings together several thousand experts from universities, organisations and ministries worldwide. The aim is to promote global dialogue, forge new partnerships and deepen existing collaborations.
For OTH Regensburg, the focus was particularly on dialogue with existing partner universities and the development of new opportunities for cooperation. In numerous discussions with university representatives from India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and Canada, the prospects for joint projects were discussed and the university's international profile was further honed.
‘Regensburg model’ meets with great interest
Another key concern of the delegation was to present the so-called ‘Regensburg Model’: an innovative approach in which English-language Bachelor's degree programmes are combined with integrated German language acquisition. This model offers international students a low-threshold introduction to studying in Germany and at the same time improves their chances of starting a career in a German-speaking country later on.
‘With the Regensburg model, we are creating real added value for international students: They study in English while continuously learning German, opening up lasting prospects for living and working in Germany,’ explains Prof Dr Markus Westner. ‘The consistently positive feedback at the APAIE confirms our approach.’
Supporting programme by DAAD and BayIND complements conference experience
Participation in the conference was complemented by an accompanying supporting programme organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Bavarian-Indian University Centre (BayIND). This offered valuable opportunities for exchange with German and Indian university representatives, for networking and for the targeted deepening of bilateral relations.
‘The APAIE offers an excellent platform to pick up new impulses and to maintain and expand the international partnerships of OTH Regensburg,’ emphasises Elisabeth Schmid. Participation in APAIE 2025 emphasises the university's commitment to future-oriented, internationally networked higher education.
